About Turquoise Jewelry
Turquoise, with its vibrant blue-green hues, has been a cherished gemstone for centuries. In vintage jewelry design, turquoise holds a special place. The name “turquoise” came from the French pierre tourques and translates as a “Turkish stone.” The mineral was first transported to the west through Turkey from mines in the historical Khorasan province of Iran (Persia) and Afghanistan. Pre-Columbian Native Americans mined the stone throughout nowadays. In all these cultures turquoise was considered as a protective stone for warriors and symbolized the connection to heaven.
In the 17th century wearing turquoise jewelry was a must for a well-dressed gentleman. The stone was popular to the point when all of the emeralds in the crown that Napoleon I gave Empress Marie Louise were replaced with Persian turquoise cabochons. Today Persian turquoise is beloved by jewelry aficionados for its warm, calming color. It may vary from sky-blue to green. As to the dark veins, it depends on your preferences and a certain piece. Some jewelry collectors prefer turquoise with a web pattern of matrix as it adds character to a piece.
The versatility of turquoise allows it to be used into various designs. Smooth cabochon cut turquoise is a common choice for vintage jewelry. Beadwork is also a popular technique that showcases turquoise’s unique color. Turquoise is often associated with the American Southwest, where Native American artisans have been using the stone for centuries. Vintage turquoise jewelry, influenced by Native American craftsmanship, often features silverwork, geometric patterns, and symbolic motifs.
About Coral Jewelry
Once considered as a plant, coral acquired the nickname “garden of the sea”. In fact, coral is a branch forming microscopic species called the coral polyp. It grows in the ocean and forms massive colonies.
In different cultures wearing coral has different meanings. In Slavic countries coral beads were a part of the national costumes. The ancient Romans believed coral protected their kids from danger. Same in Italy, where in the beginning of 20th century coral jewelry was believed to be an anti-evil eye protection. Today coral is worn as a chic accessory with meaning and admired for its exceptional natural beauty. The silky texture and a variety of colors attract jewelry lovers all over the world.
The value of vintage coral jewelry appreciates over time. Some coral jewels have historical or cultural significance, making it more desirable to collectors. Coral is beloved by the movie stars due to its bright and vibrant colors. Once worn for the red-carpet event, coral jewelry comes back to fashion. As you can see here, among our coral pieces we have truly intricate ones. The skill and artistry involved in creating these pieces also add to their value.
Coral value is also based on size, cut, color and polish. Generally, there is red coral, light and deep pink coral, and orange coral. Other colors such as brown, gold and even blue are more exotic. They are shown in conchiolin corals that grow not as branches but as concentric circles.
Mediterranean red coral is the most valuable due to its deep red color. It is harvested as deep as 200 meters in the sea. If you are looking for a classic Italian Cornicello color, then Mediterranean is your choice.
Pink coral is dense and covers the whole spectrum of hues, from close-to-white, pale pink to salmon red. It is mostly found near Japan. Due to its glassy, hard texture, pink coral is great for engraving.
Black coral is not truly black but rather very dark brown or nearly black. It is often polished to a high shine and can create striking, dramatic jewelry pieces.
Blue coral, also known as “Heliopora,” is a rare type of coral with a blue to blue-green coloration. It is used less frequently in jewelry but can be quite unique.
